A fiery exchange unfolded between Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Ranking Member of Finance, Isaac Adongo, during the parliamentary debate on the VAT Amendment Bill.
Afenyo Markin accused Adongo of not thoroughly reading the document and refuted Adongo’s assertion that the bill aimed to introduce new taxes.
He cautioned, “Don’t talk about the imposition of tax if you have not read; don’t just comment because you want to enjoy the liberty of opposition to attack the government.
“Isaac Adongo, your contention was Uber drivers are going to suffer, are you saying that we shouldn’t encourage local manufacturing of cars. Have you read this memorandum?” he said.
Then Minority MPs banged their tables in reaction.
Minority Leader Ato Forson intervened, urging the Speaker to allow Isaac Adongo to clarify and correct the record regarding the alleged failure to read the VAT Amendment Bill before the house.
Isaac Adongo was given the opportunity to clarify his comments. Following this, Parliament approved the Value Added Tax Amendment Bill 2023, which includes measures such as a 5 percent flat rate for the rental of commercial premises and the sale of immovable property by an estate developer.
The VAT Amendment Bill 2023 also aims to introduce a zero rate on locally produced sanitary pads and waive VAT on the import of electric vehicles for public transportation.
Despite opposition from the Minority caucus, citing concerns about tax imposition, a voice vote favored the majority at the second reading stage. The ayes recorded 137 votes, while the nays had 134, resulting in the approval of the amendment bill.